When a group of people gather to serve on a board, committee or coalition, a best practice of the convener is to devote 2-3 minutes at the start of each meeting to recap previous efforts and share the vision towards progress. As a leader the group you have the opportunity to create a positive environment for work and expectations. People make better decisions when they have context for the question, need or purpose. Start with a statement of purpose, declare the meaning in why are you meeting. Dignify past efforts, ever so briefly provide the facts: the who, the what, the why or when. Finally, prepare your people to be decision makers. Let them know what needs attention and motion today. A brief summary at the start allows everyone to move as a team and step into the role of decision maker. Anita, Reach Partners